公開日 2014年03月17日
From February 22nd to March 16th, 2014, Shimane University held the annual Spring English short term training program at Spring International Language Center of University of Arkansas, the United States. This program has been designed to enhance the students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge as well as the students’ ability to work in a global society, prepare for their future careers, and give them back to their communities.
This year, twelve students, including three students of Tottori University, stepped in this program. They took English classes for three hours a day and in the afternoon, they joined in Leadership and Career Development workshops including special lectures by company CEOs, and enjoyed cultural and recreational activities while staying at American homes for three weeks.
As the new attempt of this year’s program, Dr. Kagawa, an assistant professor of Shimane University, who led the delegation, gave participants a lecture in English about cross-cultural understanding. Students of University of Arkansas also participated in this class. They discussed and worked together during the class. It was the great experience for our students to take a class with Arkansas students.
On February 24th, Ms. Matsuo, a staff member of International Exchange Division of Shimane University, who also led students, gave an orientation session of Shimane University to students of University of Arkansas. She provided them information especially on our exchange program and Japanese classes offered in Shimane University. About 15 students studying Japanese language attended this orientation. It was the wonderful opportunity for us to understand what they need. We hope that many students of University of Arkansas would study at Shimane University in the near future.
On the last day of program, students made presentations of their accomplishment in English. They returned to Japan with brilliant results thanks to kind cooperation of University of Arkansas.
Participants made not only a big improvement of their English communication abilities but also learned a lot about their career planning. We do hope that they will work harder with the confidence and make the most use of the results for their majors. 
